The Board found that the severance of service connection for right lower extremity and left lower extremity radiculopathy was improper, as there is conflicting evidence regarding the diagnosis.,A remand has been ordered to obtain VA examinations for the Veteran's right wrist and left knee disabilities. The effective date for a 10 percent rating for right wrist degenerative joint disease must also be determined.
The deciding factor: The Board concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support the diagnosis of radiculopathy or 'radicular pain' for either lower extremity, based on conflicting medical evidence.,VA law requires a remand if an effective date earlier than December 5, 2012, is sought for a 10 percent rating for right wrist degenerative joint disease.
- Claimed conditions
- Right lower extremity radiculopathy, Left lower extremity radiculopathy, High blood pressure
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 29, 2021
- Citation
- 21077431
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 21077431.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted effective dates of July 10, 2024 for service connection for PTSD, lumbar strain, and left lower extremity radiculopathy.
- Denied
The Board has denied service connection for high blood pressure and a low back disability, finding that the evidence does not support a link between these conditions and active military service.
- Denied
The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy was evaluated at a 20 percent rating, and the Board found that it did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew the claims for psychiatric disability and sleep apnea.,Service connection was granted for right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to a service-connected back disability, but denied for right wrist disability.
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